Discover the most walkable cities in the UK, where pedestrian-friendly streets, scenic routes, and urban spaces make exploring on foot a delight.
Britain’s Most Walkable Cities
We love getting to know a city on foot. You get to savour everything from the architecture to the rhythms of daily life, without missing a beat. And since the UK has been creating cities since before cars were invented, it has a wide range of cities that are perfect for exploring on foot.
Think medieval alleyways and extensive pedestrianised areas, modern riverside promenades and historic cobbled streets.
Sound appealing?
Then, without further ado, here’s our guide to the most walkable cities in the UK.
Why walk?
Let’s talk about the advantages of exploring a city on foot .
- You don’t have to deal with the limitations of public transport, the frustration of traffic jams, or the costly habit of taking taxis. Instead, move at your own pace and make the most of every hidden treasure you find along the way.
- You have time. When you walk around a city, it is much easier to stumble upon shops, restaurants and attractions that don’t feature on traditional tourist routes. You’ll have time to stop and listen to the sounds of the local market in the morning or delight in the scent of fresh coffee served in a tiny corner cafe.
- It’s healthier.
- It’s better for the environment.
And as if that wasn’t enough, studies indicate that by relieving stress and improving overall happiness, walking also has an undeniable positive effect on our mental health.
The Ranking System
A lot goes into determining the best pedestrian cities in the UK, and there are several criteria involved in ranking them.
- Distance to Main Attractions: Cities where key tourist attractions are within reasonable walking distance of each other motivate people to walk more. For example, in Oxford, all of the top five sites are located within a 1.1 mile radius.
- Green Spaces: Parks and other open spaces increase the opportunity for strolling. For instance, in Edinburgh, you are never more than 308 metres away from a park.
- City Layout and Design: Walking is easier in compact city centres that have good pedestrian streets, sturdy sidewalks and low traffic.
- Safety and Air Quality: A desirable walking environment requires low crime rates and fresh air. With an air quality score of 17 (assisted by refreshing sea winds and limited pollution), the Scottish capital thrives in this category too.
The best pedestrian cities in the UK are well-designed, excel in environmental sustainability and accessibility, and are beloved by tourists and residents alike.
The Best Cities in the UK to Explore on Foot
Based on the criteria above, a number of cities in the UK stand out as ideal for exploring on foot.
Oxford
Oxford is renowned for its university. It has a relatively small city centre with historic colleges, libraries and museums, all of which can be easily reached on foot.
Due to the short distance between attractions, walking tours are very popular. Sites that should not be missed include the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera and the Ashmolean Museum. The traditional architecture of the city and its endless supply of charming cobbled streets also make exploring on foot more enjoyable.
Brighton
Brighton is a lively coastal city home to quirky street art, unusual shops and an iconic pier, but its most remarkable characteristic is arguably its well-organised landscape that makes it an ideal place for walking.
The Lanes is perfect for visitors wanting to stroll around Brighton’s many local boutiques and the Promenade is a great choice for those seeking a bracing walk along the coast.
York
Like the rest of England, York is steeped in history. Famous for York Minster Cathedral and the Shambles, its medieval streets and famous landmarks are all situated within walking distance from each other.
From ancient city walls that allow for multi-sighted views of the city, to the relaxing banks of the River Ouse, York’s landscapes are rich and varied. The city’s small size makes it one of the most walkable places in the whole country, which is a plus of all tourists who love to travel on foot.
Edinburgh
For those looking to walk, some of the better known regions include Arthur’s Seat and the unforgettable view of the city from Seat Hill, and the Royal Mile (that connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse).
For some, the city’s many hills can feel like an inconvenience, but your first glimpse of the stunning views that surround the Scottish capital will make it all seem worth it. However, if it’s flat ground you’re after, green spaces try the Meadows and Princes Street Gardens.
Got time to spare? Don’t miss our guide to spending three days in Edinburgh.
Bristol
The city well-known for its maritime record and colourful art scene offers walkable access to famed landmarks like the Clifton Suspension Bridge and several fascinating museums.
A pleasant walk along the harbourside pathway is a favourite pastime among Bristolians.
From here, you’ll get picture-perfect views of the waterfront and iconic attractions like SS Great Britain.
Get started with our ultimate Bristol bucket list.
London
Although relatively crowded, central London still has several walkable zones that are quite entertaining. Districts such as Westminster, the Southbank and Covent Garden enable you to appreciate landmarks, theatres and markets all within spitting distance of each other.
Along the Thames Path, it is possible to walk to the Tower of London, Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament. Although there is extensive public transport, many of London’s most famous attractions are located close to each other, making the English capital a great choice for travellers who love to stroll. Here’s a round up of the best things to do in London to kickstart your explorations.
Cambridge
Yet another historic university city, Cambridge is one of those places that needs to be explored on foot (or bicycle!) in order to be fully appreciated.
The city centre is small and enables easy access to world-renowned colleges, punting sites along the River Cam and green parks like Jesus Green and Parker’s Piece. With traffic restrictions in place in many areas, the city is also the perfect place to enjoy a walking tour.
Bath
Renowned for its Georgian architecture and Roman history, Bath is walker’s paradise – the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Roman Baths are all a short distance from each other. All the shopping streets are neatly arranged so that navigating them (shopping bags in hand!) is a calm and enjoyable experience.
If you don’t mind an uphill walk, the city also has some astonishing viewpoints located on and around its many hills.
In Conclusion…
If you’re travelling to the UK, you won’t be short of opportunities to explore on foot. Be it ambling down tranquil river paths, sightseeing along centuries-old streets, or getting your heart racing on a viewpoint trek, walking elevates your travels in ways nothing else can.
Even in an age where countries are striving towards greener methods of transportation, walking remains one of the best methods to explore some of the most beautiful places that the UK has to offer.
